Vacuum Systems Engineer (R&D Engineer 3)
Los Alamos National Laboratory· Research & Development (National Security)· Oct 7, 2026 · 20d ago
Los Alamos, New Mexico
In office
Full-time
Senior
$137K–$195K est.
6+ years exp
Job description
What You Will Do
Seeking a strongly self-motivated Research and Development Engineer (R&D Engineer 3) to be a member of the AOT-MDE Engineering Team. This team is responsible for a wide variety of accelerator component and systems designs such as cooling water, vacuum systems and magnets. For this position, we are seeking a highly qualified vacuum systems engineer. Selected candidate will be supporting the vacuum systems along the LANSCE accelerator, operating at the pressure of 10-7 to 10-8 Torr. Over 200 ion pumps are used of this, plus cryogenic, turbo and scroll pumps. The successful candidate must demonstrate ability and experience sufficient to perform design and analysis of these systems, as well as direct the maintenance and improvement projects of the LANSCE accelerator vacuum systems.
As an R&D Engineer you will also be called upon to support other ongoing work within MDE. This may include the design and analysis of structural or thermohydraulic projects, often leading to experimental validation. In particular, knowledge and experience with CAD tools for design and analysis are critical to the work.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
• Knowledge and experience with all types of vacuum pumps, instrumentation and all associated hardware.
• Proven track record of contributing to high-impact R&D projects through design, analysis, prototyping, fabrication and documentation.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings drafted utilizing ASME Y14.5 standards.
• Experience with CAD and CAM software, specifically SolidWorks.
• Work successfully in a team environment and exhibit collaborative behavior.
• Demonstrated strong work ethic with ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to interact and communicate effectively with scientists, engineers, and technicians.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and a commitment to doing work safely and securely.
Education/Experience: A Master's Degree in Engineering from an accredited university and 6 years of relevant experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. At this level a Ph.D. may be preferred.
Desired Qualifications:
• Knowledge of linear particle accelerator operation, configuration and maintenance.
• Knowledge or some skill in surface science and analysis.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Ability and willingness to provide engineering support to other teams in the group supporting the accelerator: Water, Vacuum and Diagnostics.
• Knowledgeable of all types of machining and welding techniques, equipment and practices.
• Possess or able to obtain a Q level clearance
Note to Applicants:
In order to be fully considered for this position provide your resume and detailed cover letter addressing how your experience relates to each of the required and desired skills as applicable.
Work Environment:
Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.
Note to Applicants:
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Where You Will Work
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.
New-Employment Drug Test : The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.
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Dental
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401(K)
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